OTTAVA DI SANT’EGIDIO from August 31 to the 2nd Sunday of September. This historical event begins on the evening of August 31, with a procession and the blessing of the banners. In the days following there are feasts in the city’s various quarters, including concerts, plays, shows, museums open into late evening, exhibitions, and popular games. Each of the seven quarters has a tavern operating in a historical locale. On the 2nd Sunday of September the festivities conclude with the Bando del Palio, the Corteo Grande, the Palio degli Arcieri, and Banner games. For more information consult Ente Ottava Medievale Orte

PROCESSION OF CHRIST on Good Friday. Since medieval times this rite of Christian piety, still practiced today, takes place on Good Friday, at 9:30 PM. It is the oldest procession of its kind in Italy, originating in 1200. It is organized by the Confraternite Riunite di Orte, which has been active since the first half of 1100. Minor changes have not affected its original form. Three of the most touching moments are the singing of the Miserere in the Piazza della Liberta, the Stabat Mater at the end of the Procession, and finally, the breaking of the bread symbolizing brotherly and sisterly love. Visit Hortae.it for more details.

Sito Hortae.it

The city of Orte, today, is recognized as an important cultural and historical centre. Its history goes back to the Etruscans and the Romans. The name, Orthe, which has always remained, comes from the Latin “Hortanum, Hortas, Horta. It is believed, however, to have originated from the Greeks.
The historical centre of Orte is oval in shape, with compact housing, adapted to the contours of the surrounding hills. The outlying houses are built directly on the edges of cliffs, which at various heights, appear to be perforated by antique habitats excavated into the rock.
The Municipal Building faces the Piazza di Santa Maria in the heart of the city where, historically, seven roads from the seven quarters met, almost symbolizing the common consent of all the citizens to live together in harmony. Here, the centre of civic life meets that of religious life, meaning that the City could only prosper if both commitments , towards God and towards the People, were honoured.

Sito del Comune di Orte